Monday, April 23, 2012

Writer's Boot Camp

Two years ago at the WIFYR conference I was lucky enough to have signed up for Ann Dee Ellis' morning workshop. I didn't realize what an intense, emotional, amazing week it would be. Ann Dee knows how to inspire you to do more. She was determined to get us through two rounds in of critiques that week. And we did. I didn't sleep much, but I critiqued and wrote more than I ever have in a week.

The amazing thing about having an experience like that, is realizing you can do more than you knew. You learn that that it's alright to admit you are a writer and be okay with it. You learn that it's alright to embrace it. Because really it only requires deciding. As James Owen states "If you really want to do something, no one can stop you; but if you really don't want to do something, no one can help you." If you haven't read his book "Drawing out the Dragons" where he tells his inspiring story of struggle and success, you've missed out.

When I realized Ann Dee is teaching the Boot Camp class at the WIFYR conference this year, it made sense. Even though our class wasn't labeled "Boot Camp" it was kind of like that. There is only one spot left though, so if you are interested in an experience like this you'll have to jump fast. It won't last long.